Secondary education in Austria begins after four years of primary school (Volksschule) and is divided into two main stages:
Lower Secondary Education (ages 10–14)
Students attend either:
Academic Secondary School – Lower Cycle (AHS Unterstufe)
Middle School (Mittelschule)
Upper Secondary Education (ages 14–18/19)
Academic Secondary School – Upper Cycle (AHS Oberstufe) – leading to the Matura, the qualification required for university admission
Vocational Colleges (BHS) – combining academic education with professional training (5-year programs leading to Matura)
Apprenticeship System (Lehre) – dual education combining part-time vocational school and paid workplace training
Education is compulsory for 9 years, followed by mandatory participation in education or training until age 18.
Over 70% of students choose vocational or dual education pathways.
Austria has more than 1,400 secondary schools.
Youth unemployment remains among the lowest in the EU, supported by the strong apprenticeship system.
Austria’s education system is known for its structured pathways, strong vocational training, and integration within the European framework.
Austria offers a well-established higher education system with strong research output and international cooperation.
22 Public Universities
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
Private Universities
University Colleges of Teacher Education
Leading institutions include the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), and the University of Innsbruck.
Bachelor’s degrees typically last 3 years.
Master’s degrees usually take 2 years.
Doctoral programs generally require 3–4 years.
Many programs are offered in German, with an increasing number in English, particularly at the master’s level.
Very affordable tuition at public universities for EU students and competitive fees for non-EU students.
Austria hosts approximately 390,000 higher education students.
Around 25% of students are international — one of the highest proportions in Europe.
Austria ranks highly in quality of life and research performance.
Austrian universities are particularly strong in music and arts, engineering, environmental sciences, business, psychology, and tourism management.
Austria offers a variety of summer schools, language programs, and cultural academies for international students.
German language courses (15–25 hours per week)
Music and arts academies (especially in Vienna and Salzburg)
Business, European studies, and STEM summer schools
Excursions to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and the Austrian Alps
Accommodation in student residences or host families
Austria is one of the leading destinations for learning German in Central Europe.
Vienna consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities.
Summer programs in Austria combine academic excellence with rich cultural heritage, classical music traditions, and access to Central European opportunities.